Classification and influence of ultrasound transducers

Ultrasound instruments on the market can be classified as A-mode, B-mode, and color Doppler ultrasound instruments, depending on the type of ultrasound. However, in most cases, the large color Doppler ultrasound machines purchased and used by medical institutions can cover examinations of various ultrasound types. Clinicians order different types of ultrasound examinations based on patient needs, while ultrasound technicians switch between different transducers (probes) to adapt to the needs of different tissue types and detection depths.

Probe -- The Core of Ultrasound Equipment Performance
The ultrasound probe is a core factor determining image quality. An ultrasound diagnostic instrument generates incident ultrasound waves and receives reflected ultrasound waves through the probe; therefore, the probe is an important component of the ultrasound diagnostic equipment. The probe can transmit and receive ultrasound, converting electrical and acoustic signals. It can convert electrical signals from the host machine into high-frequency oscillating ultrasound signals and convert ultrasound signals reflected from tissues and organs back into electrical signals, which are then displayed on the host machine's monitor. The probe is an important component of the ultrasound diagnostic system, and the quality and performance of the probe directly affect the performance indicators of the entire system.

Ultrasound equipment usually has multiple types of probes, and ultrasound physicians adjust and select them based on the diagnostic site and clinical needs. The emission frequency of the probe is one of the most important characteristic parameters of the probe and is a major reason why physicians switch probes in ultrasound diagnosis. The emission frequency of the probe is mainly determined by the thickness of the crystal, while the shape of the crystal determines important characteristics such as the shape of the sound beam and the sound field distribution. The higher the probe frequency, the higher the resolution, but the penetration is inversely proportional to the frequency. Therefore, high-frequency probes are used to detect superficial organs, while low-frequency probes are used to detect deep organs.

Diagram Showing Ultrasound Probe Classification

There are various ways to classify probes. Based on the diagnostic site, there are ophthalmic probes, cardiac probes, abdominal probes, intracranial probes, intracavity probes, and pediatric probes. Based on the beam control method, they can be mainly classified as follows:

Convex array probe: Mostly 3.5MHz, fan-shaped imaging, mainly used for abdominal liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidney, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics diagnosis

Linear array probe: Mostly 3.5MHz, rectangular imaging, mainly used for vascular, surgical, and fetal diagnosis

Phased array linear probe: Mostly 3.0MHz, fan-shaped imaging, mainly used for deep abdominal and heart-related diagnosis

Intracavity probe: Mostly 6.5MHz, transrectal and transvaginal probes

Puncture probes and intraoperative probes are used for surgery or assisted treatment.

Piezoelectric crystals are the core of imaging. The probe uses the piezoelectric effect of the crystal to convert high-frequency electrical energy into ultrasound waves for outward radiation and receives ultrasound waves, converting the echo into electrical energy through the piezoelectric effect. Currently, commonly used piezoelectric crystals are generally PZT materials, which are composite materials consisting of zirconium, titanium, and lead. The same material, using different cultivation methods, cutting methods, firing methods, etc., will produce a variety of finished products, resulting in differences in frequency band, image clarity, and image quality.

Digital Beamformer
Ultrasound imaging also requires beamforming technology, which uses electronic focusing, beam steering, and direction control to form a sound beam with good directivity when using an array transducer. Simply put, it involves synthesizing and summing the beams with delays. Current digital beamformers are mainly composed of chips and integrated circuits.

Domestic chip technology is relatively backward and mostly purchased from abroad. Some low-end models use single-chip microcomputer chips, which can be domestically produced, while the FPGA chips used in mid-to-high-end models need to be purchased from abroad and are only controlled by four overseas companies: Xilinx, Altera, Lattice, and Microsemi. Other electronic components are relatively common, and domestic manufacturers can basically meet the demand.

Structure of the FPGA-based Digital Beamformer

Diagram Showing the Function of the Digital Beamformer

Full-body Systems are the Key to Product Differentiation—Probe Diversity and Precision
Ultrasound probe technology is one of the core technologies that determine the performance of ultrasound systems, determining core elements such as image quality, resolution, and sensitivity of ultrasound equipment. Different examination sites and clinical needs require different ultrasound probes.

Full-body ultrasound machines—focus on diverse probe configurations to meet comprehensive needs. Ultrasound equipment positioned for whole-body diagnosis should be equipped with a variety of imaging probes to ensure accurate imaging, comprehensive diagnosis, and the capability of performing multiple functions with one machine, suitable for multiple departments. In 2016, GE launched the "Precise E9" full-body ultrasound equipment, using "volume Navigator" and "Ice Crystal probe" technology to solve the existing problems between ultrasound penetration and resolution, and the inconsistency of near and far field resolution, allowing the probe to more comprehensively detect deep organs and superficial organs without frequent switching. Full-body ultrasound models have entered a period of technological silence, with domestic and foreign research basically synchronized and no significant generational gap. The difference in probes is the core factor reflecting the differentiated configuration of full-body ultrasound models and is an important consideration for medical institutions when choosing full-body machines.

Guangzhou Rencheng Medical Ultrasound Workstation

Medical technology is developing rapidly, becoming increasingly convenient and advanced. Advanced medical equipment facilitates diagnosis, and ultrasound applications are inseparable from ultrasound workstations. These workstations benefit hospitals, doctors, and patients by enabling quick access to examination results, facilitating film review, file viewing, saving, and archiving, and improving case query, statistics, and management functions. For patients, it means quick access to examination information, image and video visualization, enhanced communication with doctors, and data sharing of examination results, facilitating record review during referrals. Guangzhou Rencheng Medical stands out with over ten years of experience in medical equipment repair, gaining a clear understanding of various needs through collaboration with hospitals. The developed imaging workstation effectively serves hospitals, doctors, and patients, integrating modules such as patient registration, image acquisition, diagnostic editing, report printing, image post-processing, case query, and statistical analysis. It enables quick access to examination information, image and video visualization, enhanced communication with doctors, and data sharing of examination results, facilitating record review during referrals. Rencheng Imaging Workstation is now recruiting national agents and distributors, and provides 24-hour After-sale Service.

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